Adoption leave

Adoption leave is a statutory parental entitlement that is very similar to maternity leave that enables an eligible employee to take time off to be with a recently adopted child. Adoption leave is available to parents who adopt children up to the age of 18.

Adoption leave pay is only available, when adopting a child placed for adoption within the UK.

Employees requesting adoption leave cannot be treated less favourably than those requesting leave on the grounds of childbirth.

To qualify for adoption leave an employee must be matched with a child for adoption by an approved UK agency and:

Have worked continuously for the employer for at least 26 weeks

Be the only parent taking adoption leave (when a couple adopt jointly)

Observe the notification requirements

Adoption leave

Adoption leave is similar to maternity leave, eligible employees are entitled up to 26 weeks’ Ordinary Adoption Leave (OAL) followed by up to 26 weeks’ Additional Adoption Leave (AAL).

Ordinary adoption leave

Eligible employees are entitled to up to 26 weeks’ ordinary adoption leave (OAL)

Additional adoption leave

OAL may immediately be followed by up to 26 weeks’ additional adoption leave (AAL) for eligible employees.

Adoption leave pay

Statutory adoption leave pay is the same as the standard rate of statutory maternity pay and paid for the duration of the employees ordinary adoption leave.